Ben Tausig opened up the economics of the ubiquitous but poorly understood crossword puzzle:

Contrary to popular perception crosswords aren’t made by computer algorithms, or an individual puzzle master. Instead, freelancers make them and submit them to various newspapers for consideration.

It can take a long time to hear back from the newspaper – in once case it took The New York Times over a decade to approve a writer’s submission.

Once the submission is accepted, the writer can expect to make just $100 for a standard puzzle and $300 for a Sunday-sized one.

The puzzle-creator is rarely identified in the paper itself.

Despite the low pay, the newspapers themselves make millions from the crosswords – in fact – some people buy their newspapers for the crossword alone.

Things are getting better for puzzle makers though. Competition from apps and other newspapers is pushing up the pay rate, making it easier for individuals to make a living from making crossword puzzles.

Read more about the premium you get for making a New York Times crossword puzzle, the person who helped edge up pay rates, and the rivalry between newspapers over here.